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7 Questions with Moïse Mbarga-Abega

12 July 2019

This week we meet Moïse Mbarga-Abega, a second year Master's student at UCL European Social and Political Studies. Moïse chats to us about curating his own exhibition for Black History Month and what he loves about East London.

Moïse Mbarga-Abega

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I’m a second year European Social and Political Studies Student. I believe that one of the reasons why I cherish ESPS so much is that it has given me a 'structured flexibility' to discover new interests in very different areas (such as representation in South American literature during my study of contract law), whilst paradoxically making me feel secure about my future aspirations as a future ESPS graduate. Additionally, the flexibility of ESPS enables one to develop a wide set of skills and competencies that will be truly valuable in a working environment.

In the future, I would like to either be an environmental lawyer, a fashion photographer or both. I’d very much enjoy getting involved with some international organisations such as the UN and the EU.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

The two most interesting things I’ve done in UCL are, firstly, attending a firm presentation at the Gherkin, and secondly, curating my own exhibition for Black History Month with the help of the BME officer and the Student’s Union UCL last October.

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

My hidden gems are Victoria Park and London’s canal, and the hidden pubs in east London. I like East London very much – the area has a life of its own and it’s great to be able to witness the ambience of the area and discover more of the culture of that part of London.

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

My top three things to do in London are:

  1. Eating ice cream at Chin Chin Labs Soho
  2. Cycling around the city
  3. Exploring the parts of London I have never been to

If you were Provost for the day what one thing would you do?

If I were Provost for a day, I would probably give a talk to prospective students and encourage them to apply to UCL, sharing with them all the ways which set UCL apart from other Institutions. I would go to all the places I can’t access with my student card, and have a fantastic lunch somewhere in the city. Finally, I’d probably end the day by doing a giveaway of printing credits to Master's students.

Who inspires you and why?

My current role model is Greta Thunberg – her commitment to the fight against climate change is remarkable. It's incredible to see what she has achieved at such a young age. I believe that she is representative of a generation. Seeing her fight makes me more eager to fight for what I want.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I have recently created my own photography business, Stroll Snap and Smile, on the platform Airbnb, and am currently in the process of building a team to scale up my business. I also took a gap year at the age of 16 and lived in South India for a year.